Story Behind the Song: 'What You Need'

Step-by-Step Tutorial: The Story Behind the Song 'What You Need' by INXS

1. Introduction to the Band INXS:

   • The video features Andrew Farriss, one of the founders and chief songwriters of the band INXS.
   • INXS is known as one of the favorite bands of the director of the Nashville Songwriters.

2. Christmas in the US:

   • Andrew Farriss shares that he spent Christmas in the US for the first time, but Santa did not visit him because he must have been a "bad boy."
   • Despite that, he mentions that it was a good Christmas and expresses gratitude for the experience.

3. Discussion on INXS's Phenomenon:

   • Andrew Farriss talks about the phenomenon of INXS during its heyday, where the band toured almost non-stop for about 25 years, gaining popularity worldwide.

4. Collaboration with Producer Chris Thomas:

   • Andrew Farriss recalls working on the album "Listen Like Thieves" with producer Chris Thomas, who suggested the need for another single for the record.
   • They decided to create a new track, which led to the birth of "What You Need."

5. Creation of "What You Need" Song:

   • Andrew Farriss's older brother suggested a groove from Andrew's tape, which became the foundation for the song.
   • The band members, including Michael, liked the groove and started working on it to develop the song further.

6. Lyric Writing Process:

   • Michael, the lead singer of INXS, took charge of writing the lyrics for "What You Need" that night.
   • The focus was on maintaining the feel-good factor of the song while crafting the lyrics.

7. Recording and Approval:

   • The band completed the song overnight and played it for producer Chris Thomas the next day.
   • Chris loved the song and approved it for recording, highlighting the collaborative effort and talent of the band members.

8. Reflections on Touring:

   • Andrew Farriss reflects on the band's extensive touring experience, performing in 52 different countries during the 1980s.
   • He emphasizes the impact of touring on the band's growth and understanding of diverse cultures.

9. Appreciation for the Band Members:

   • Andrew acknowledges the musical talents of all the band members of INXS, including Michael, and appreciates their contributions to the songwriting process.

10. Conclusion:

    • The video concludes with Andrew Farriss expressing gratitude for the rich experiences gained through touring and international performances as a member of INXS.

By following these steps, you can gain insights into the creative process behind the iconic song "What You Need" by INXS and the collaborative efforts that went into its creation.